RECEPTION TIMETABLE

The first dance typically kicks off the evening reception in style. The couple’s ‘song’ can be anything from a current chart hit to a golden oldies style waltz. Towards the end of this dance (for a second song) or half way through it, the Bride and Groom are usually joined on the dancefloor by their parents, the bridesmaids and the groomsmen.

Unless you are opting for one of Meatloaf's 15 minuite classics (and some people will!), then you only need to allow around 5 minutes for the first dance.

Evening Reception Food

Typically, the food on the evening will take the form of a buffet or canapes served to the guests on platters.

Whatever the preference, for any 'informal food' allow around 30 to 45 minutes in total - usually accompanied by background music.

Last Orders

And all too soon your day will draw to a close. Some couples choose to depart in a blaze of glory in the middle of the celebrations, leaving with a group of angry ladies fighting over who won the tossed bouquet. Other will hate the thought of leaving a party before their guests and will stay right till the end.

Whatever your preference, every wedding has to finish sometime (boo!), so speak to the venue and find out when they will call last orders at the bar.

So now you know what you need to timetable, all you need to do now is to go ahead and do it! Luckily for you, we have developed a wonderful tool in the MyWeddingsday zone called 'Wedding Details' which allows you to do just that. If you haven't already signed up (for free!) then why not do it now by clicking here - as soon as you're signed up you can begin timetabling! (it's more fun than it sounds, we promise).

For those of you who want to know more about how to stick to the timetable you've developed, why not take a look at the article entitled Timetables and Toastmasters.